Posted in Wisconsin June 08, 2022 by Ben Jones

The Historic Small Town That Every Wisconsinite Should Visit At Least Once

While thousands of people visit Door County every year, many don’t experience the entire county. Some stop at Sturgeon Bay and take in the local attractions. Others drive further north, but abandon their adventure after enjoying a creamy ice cream cone at Wilson’s in Ephraim or taking a picture of the rooftop goats at Al Johnson’s in Sister Bay. But to truly experience the *whole* peninsula, it’s worth driving a little further north. At the end of the county, near where the road ends, you’ll find the little town of Gills Rock, Wisconsin. There isn’t much to this tiny little town, but it offers a glimpse back at a time when the county had no tourists and people made their living from the cold waters of Lake Michigan. Here’s what’s waiting for you on your next day trip to Gills Rock.

You’ll reach this little town by following Highway 42 north up the peninsula, past Sister Bay and Ellison Bay. It’s located on the water right at the tip of Door County.

Gills Rock was originally called Hedgehog Harbor. Unlike many other communities it was never incorporated – it’s part of the Town of Liberty Grove.

When you arrive in Gills Rock, you’ll find that the heart of the community is the little bay, as it always has been. Generations of commercial fishermen have worked the waters here, in the waters called Porte des Mortes (Death’s Door).

You can taste some of the delicious bounty at Charlie’s Smokehouse, a longtime store that sells smoked fish and other delicacies.

The community is also a longtime port of departure for people venturing to Washington Island. The Island Clipper, a passenger ferry, departs right from the dock here. Another ferry line that also transports cars leaves from nearby Northport.

There’s a small museum that details the maritime history of Gills Rock. The Death’s Door Maritime Museum is filled with displays about the fishing history here, including an actual commercial tug: a 45-foot boat called Hope.

Learn more about things to see and do in Gills Rock on the Destination Door County website. If you enjoy exploring Wisconsin’s charming towns, here are some more historic destinations to put on your list.

Address: Gills Rock, WI 54210, USA